Going for 2013 Tony Gold! Handicapping the Race for Best Featured Actress in a Musical

We handicap the wide-open race for best featured actress in a musical.

It's Tony time on Broadway, and as always, we can't stop thinking about who'll be going for the gold on June 9! In anticipation of the 2013 nominations, which will be announced on April 30, we're clocking 14 of the top races. Take a look at our forecast, including frontrunners, hopefuls and a “shout out” to one performer or show we hope the Tony nominators won’t forget. Below, we analyze the lengthy list of candidates for Best Featured Actress in a Musical.

FRONTRUNNERSAnnaleigh Ashford, Kinky Boots
Ashford gives a funny, bubbly performance (complete with working-class British accent) as the loyal hometown girl who falls for her boss, a shoe heir played by Stark Sands.

Andrea Martin, Pippin
To describe Martin’s big number as Pippin’s granny is a major spoiler—so let’s just say that we’ve never seen any other sixty-something actress pull off anything close.

Lauren Ward, Matilda
The single ray of sunshine in a dark musical, Ward’s Miss Honey nurtures the title character and faces off with Miss Trunchbull; her “My House” number is especially moving.

BROADWAY.COM SHOUT OUTRachel Bay Jones, Pippin
In a breakthrough performance of wit and subtlety, Jones spars with the Leading Player and guides Pippin toward his destiny as older lover Catherine. A Tony nod is her due!